Argan oil has been used for centuries in Morocco by indigenous Berber women as a natural beauty ingredient. In recent years, argan oil has gained worldwide popularity for its numerous benefits for the skin, and has become renowned as an effective natural skincare ingredient.
In this article, we will highlight the main benefits of argan oil for your skin, as proven by scientific studies.
1. Moisturizing Properties
Argan oil is a natural emollient, which means it can help to keep the skin moisturized. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (1) found that argan oil can significantly increase skin hydration and improve skin elasticity after just four weeks of use. This makes it a great ingredient for people with dry skin.
2. Anti-Aging Benefits
Argan oil contains high levels of antioxidants, which can help to fight free radicals that can damage the skin and cause premature aging. A study published in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging (2) found that argan oil can help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
3. Protection against UV damage
Another research (3) found that argan oil can protect the skin from UV damage caused by sun exposure. This can help prevent burns and hyperpigmentation, and in the long term the development of skin cancer, including melanoma.
4. Acne-Fighting Properties
Despite being an oil, argan oil is non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog pores or cause breakouts. In fact, argan oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce acne. A study published in the Pharmacognosy Journal (4) found that argan oil can help to reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier function, making it a promising ingredient for people with acne-prone skin.
5. Reducing skin oiliness
Contrary to popular belief, argan oil can also benefit people with oily skin. Research found that daily application of argan oil reduced sebum levels in individuals with oily skin without causing dryness or irritation. This is likely due to the high linoleic acid content in argan oil, which can help to balance oil production and reduce inflammation.
6. Reducing and preventing stretch marks
Argan oil has also been found to be effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks, making it a promising ingredient for pregnant women or anyone experiencing them. A study (5) found that topical application of argan oil significantly improved the appearance of stretch marks in women. This is due to the high content of vitamin E and essential fatty acids in argan oil, which can help to promote skin elasticity and repair damaged skin cells.
7. Healing Properties
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help to speed up the healing process of the skin. Research (2) found that argan oil can help wound healing and reduce inflammation. This makes it a great ingredient for people with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or other skin conditions that can cause inflammation and irritation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, argan oil is a versatile natural skincare product that can offer numerous benefits. Whether you have dry, mature, acne-prone, or irritated skin, argan oil can help improve its appearance and health. If you are interested in incorporating argan oil to your skincare routine, look ideally for pure argan oil and make sure it is of good quality. With regular use, you can enjoy the benefits of this natural treasure on your skin !
References
- Boucetta, K. Q., Charrouf, Z., Aguenaou, H., Derouiche, A., & Bensouda, Y. (2014). Skin hydration in postmenopausal women: argan oil benefit with oral and/or topical use. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 13(2), 151-157.
- Boucetta, K. Q., Charrouf, Z., Aguenaou, H., Derouiche, A., & Bensouda, Y. (2015). The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2015:10, pp.339-349.
- Guillaume, D., Charrouf, Z., & Gadi, D. (2011). Argan oil and other argan products: use in dermatology. Clinics in dermatology, 29(1), 29-34.
- Lall, N., Canha, M.D., Szuman, K., Charrouf, Z., Davids, L.M. and Rademan, S. (2019). The Anti-proliferative and Anti-bacterial Activity of Argan oil and Crude Saponin Extract from Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels. Pharmacognosy Journal, 11(1), pp.26–31.
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Moldovan, M.L., Bogdan, C., Man, I. and CRISAN, M. (2016). Preliminary study on the development of an antistretch marks water-in-oil cream: ultrasound assessment, texture analysis, and sensory analysis. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Volume 9, pp.249–255. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s107298.